Howard County Citizens Association President Bridget Mugane was ready with ideas on how to fix what she called a “Byzantine” land use process.
But considering an overhaul of the system might be too soon, as the County Council wants first to hear about how to better encourage public participation.
“It?s not about the process itself, but the opportunity for public engagement in the process,” Councilwoman Courtney Watson, D-District 1, told Mugane at a public hearing Monday.
The council is considering a measure to create a task force to study opportunities for residents to comment on development issues, such as project or zoning proposals.
Amid some confusion over just what is expected of the group, the council may need to “refine the bill,” Watson said.
But improving public involvement might affect procedures, said Councilwoman Jen Terrasa, D-District 3, who sponsored the bill with Councilwoman Mary Kay Sigaty, D-District 4.
“It might involve some tweak in the process,” Terrasa said.
Task force membership also was a concern, and the Howard County Chamber of Commerce asked the council to make sure there was a “true balance” of competing interests in the county.
Business leaders “will be best suited to represent the community from an economic perspective,” said Greg Lowe, co-chairman of the chamber?s legislative affairs committee.
Among the members would be representatives from the chamber, the Howard chapter of Home Builders Association of Maryland and Howard County Association of Realtors.
Councilman Greg Fox, R-District 5, suggested one member should be appointed by the Economic Development Authority.
Another group, Bring Back the Vision, also asked the council to be included. Although it started with a focus on downtown Columbia, the group has expanded its scope, spokeswoman Emily Lincoln said.
“There are two citizens groups operating respectfully, but often with opposing viewpoints,” Lincoln said, referring to the Howard County Citizens Association, which would chose a member.
AT A GLANCE
The proposed land-use task force would examine the processes of:
» Subdivision and land development
» Planning Board
» Zoning regulation amendments
» Comprehensive zoning
» Zoning Board
SOURCE: Howard County Council bill
